Metal Grinding in Metal Fabrication

Metal grinding is a process that is used extensively in metal fabrication. Metal grinding is most often a manual operation at job shops while large custom parts operations will automate through the use of finishing machines. Metal Grinding is used to finish off rough edges, deburr metal parts, smooth welds, create sharp edges and sometimes create unique finished looks like the jitterbug finish on a metal part.

Manual metal grinding can be done using a simple file. But in metal fabrication facilities grinding is most commonly performed with a grinding machine. Metal grinding with a handheld grinder or a stationary grinding machine having multiple stations with industrial grinding wheels or belts are two forms grinding in metal fabrication. A portable handheld grinder may be used instead of a grinding machine in hard to reach areas or when grinding larger metal parts that will not fit on a machine grinder.

Types of Metal Grinders

Belt Grinder

Bench Grinder

Cylinder Grinder

Surface Grinder

Bit Grinder

Jig Grinder

Cost Considerations with Metal Grinding

Grinding in metal fabrication is most commonly a manual task that involves significant labor. The labor intensive nature of metal grinding tends to make it an expensive part of the fabrication process. Most finished metal parts require tasks such as deburring and smoothing of edges so these costs are worked into the cost of the part automatically. However, if a part has large welds or requires significant edge treatment such as beveling the cost of grinding will be calculated separately and will cause the part price to increase.

It is important to understand the impact of grinding on a metal part fabrication. If grinding a part can be minimized it will positively impact the price of the metal part. Keep this in mind when in the design process of your metal part.

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